Forest Schools: Nurturing Children's Growth Through Nature

The Forest school program has become increasingly popular in schools across the UK and Ireland, inspiring nature-based learning that has captured the hearts and minds of teachers, parents, and children alike. In this blog we explore what a forest school really is and its benefits for children’s learning and development. 

What is a forest school?

At its core, a forest school is an outdoor educational setting where children engage in hands-on learning experiences amidst the beauty and wonder of nature.  Forest schools prioritise outdoor exploration, creativity, and play for their children and actively teach skills to enhance children's enjoyment in the great outdoors. Rather than confining learning to four walls, forest schools focus on teaching and learning skills in the natural world to create a holistic approach to child development.

What makes forest schools so popular, and what benefits do they offer for children's learning and development?

Connection with Nature: Forest schools provide children with the invaluable opportunity to connect with the natural world in a variety of fun and immersive ways. Surrounded by trees, plants and wildlife, children have the opportunity to develop a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature. 

Hands-On Learning: In forest schools, the forest itself becomes the classroom, offering endless opportunities for hands-on exploration and discovery. From identifying plants and animal tracks to building shelters and creating nature-inspired art, every moment is a chance for children to engage with their environment and learn through experience.  Obviously, not all schools are located in or near a forest so forest schools often create a designated area to use for their forest school activity and this often involves the children getting involved to help plan and develop this space over time. 

Photo Source: forestschools.com

Physical Health and Fitness: Unlike traditional classroom settings, forest schools focus on movement and physical activity. Whether it's planning trees and plants, building forts or playing outdoor games, children develop gross motor skills, strength, and coordination while soaking up the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.

Creativity and Imagination: The natural world is a limitless playground for creativity and imagination. In forest schools, children are free to let their imaginations run wild as they build forts, tell stories, and embark on imaginary adventures amidst the trees. This unstructured play helps enhance creativity, problem-solving skills, and a sense of wonder that is essential for lifelong learning.

Social Skills Development: Forest schools provide an ideal setting for children to develop vital social skills such as cooperation, communication, and teamwork. Through collaborative activities like building shelters, sharing stories, and exploring nature together, children learn to communicate effectively and work towards achieving goals.

Our top Forest School Products:

At Creative Activity Group we supply many forest schools with products to help create a fun and immersive outdoor environment for their forest school lessons.  We have put together some of our top-selling products for Forest Schools that are loved by both the teachers and children using them:

Planters: Planters filled with native flowers, herbs, and shrubs can transform the forest school environment, adding beauty, biodiversity, and opportunities for hands-on gardening activities.  
Children adore these, as they can actively participate in every stage, from seed planting to observing the blossoming flowers and herbs, all while learning along the way.

Shelter Area: Whether it's a simple tarp shelter or Pyramid Play Den, providing a designated shelter area allows children to seek refuge from the elements and engage in quiet activities like reading, drawing, or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the forest

Story Chair with Logs: A cozy storytelling wooden chair serves as the perfect spot for outdoor storytelling sessions, sparking children's imagination and fostering a love for literature and nature.

In conclusion, forest schools offer a holistic approach to education that helps spark curiosity, creativity, and resilience in children. By immersing themselves in the beauty and wonder of nature, children not only learn valuable academic skills but also develop a deep connection with the world around them that will last a lifetime.